Trump weighs Mali strikes despite 'no wars' pledge
Not yet. The Trump administration is weighing military options in Mali against al-Qaeda-linked JNIM, officials told The Washington Post and The Independent, but no strike has been confirmed. If approved, Mali would become the eighth country hit during Trump's current term.
According to The Washington Post, current and former U.S. officials familiar with the deliberations say Washington is debating action against Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin. The White House has not confirmed any plan to launch strikes.
Key Takeaways
- Officials say the U.S. is weighing strikes in Mali against JNIM, an al-Qaeda affiliate.
- Senior aides are divided; NSC counterterrorism director Sebastian Gorka is among those pushing force.
- If approved, Mali would be the eighth country struck in Trump's second term.
- An administration official blamed Russia's security role while urging African partners to buy U.S. gear.
What is happening in Mali right now?
JNIM has claimed responsibility for deadly attacks and kidnappings since forming in 2017 and has pressed attacks across West Africa, including a lethal airport assault in Niger's capital last month, The Independent reported.
In Mali, the group has terrorized the interior with fuel blockades and sieges. Shock attacks in Bamako in April killed the country's defense minister. Malian forces and Russia's Africa Corps have also clashed with JNIM this month, including the downing of a military helicopter.
Mali's junta-led government, alongside Burkina Faso and Niger in the Alliance of Sahel States, has cut many Western ties and leaned on Russian forces for security after coups ousted elected leaders.
Why would strikes clash with Trump's 'no wars' brand?
Trump's team markets him as a "peace president" built on "peace through strength," even as he seeks international peace prizes. A new campaign in Mali would sit uneasily beside that message while the U.S. remains in a months-long war with Iran.
The Independent notes previous second-term strikes in Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen, plus deadly boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The Post's country list also includes Iran. Mali would make eight nations if strikes go ahead.
Critics warn another military push may fail. Wassim Nasr of the Soufan Center told The Washington Post that opting for a military solution again will not resolve the crisis after years of French and Russian campaigns left the situation worse.
Has the White House decided on military action?
No public decision has been announced. Asked about the reports, an administration official did not confirm or deny strike plans. The official said Washington hopes the Alliance of Sahel States "prevails against terrorism," but pinned blame for deteriorating security on Russia as "an ineffective security partner for Mali."
The same messaging urged North and West African governments to purchase U.S. equipment and services, and called on NATO and regional allies to support the fight against JNIM and ISIS-linked militants. The Pentagon referred questions to the White House; the State Department said the U.S. "unequivocally condemns the terrorist activity in Mali."
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